Gemotions

"More coffee?" Sarah's neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, shouted over the cacophony. Sarah refused to make eye contact, busying herself with meticulously arranging her collection of antique teacups. The offer was a peace offering, a blatant attempt to break down her defenses.

Sarah pursed her lips, a familiar heat rising in her chest. She took a small sip of her tea, savoring the floral notes, and pretended not to hear. Mrs. Henderson wouldn't get the satisfaction of a response, of any concession. The noise was awful, absolutely, but she wasn't backing down.

Later, she pulled a book from the shelf and buried herself in the pages, the words a shield against the rising construction racket. She’d read every page. Every word. She'd pretend it wasn't happening.